Blueberries are perennial flowering plants with indigo-colored berries in the section Cyanococcus within the genus Vaccinium. Species in the section Cyanococcus are the most common fruits sold as "blueberries" and are native to North America (commercially cultivated highbush blueberries were not introduced into Europe until the 1930s).

They are usually erect but sometimes prostrate shrubs varying in size from 10 centimeters (3.9 in) to 4 meters (13 ft) tall. In commercial blueberry production, smaller species are known as "lowbush blueberries" (synonymous with "wild"), and the larger species are known as "highbush blueberries".

APPLICATIONS

Fruit

FRESH – Bilberry can be eaten fresh, a large bowl of whole fresh bilberries is excellent for constipation. The fresh bilberries may also be mixed with cream, sugar or milk as well.JUICE – Bilberry juice is effective in treating diarrhea; the juice can be taken in 10 ml doses without the sugar.DECOCTION - Take one glass daily for chronic diarrhea.MOUTHWASH – The diluted bilberry juice is excellent for the treatment of ulcers and inflammation in the gums.LOTION – Bilberry juice can also be diluted with an equal amount of the witch hazel as a cooling lotion to treat sunburn and various inflammations in the skin.POWDER – Powdered bilberry is also a good remedy for babies and infants affected by diarrhea. The powdered herb can be mixed at a ratio of 75 mg per 1 lb body weight to the infant’s formula and the baby should be given this drink.

Leaves:

INFUSION – Bilberry leaf infusion can be used in addition to dietary controls as part of the treatment for late onset, non-insulin dependent diabetes.MOUTHWASH/GARGLE – The bilberry infusion can be used to treat ulcers and inflammation in the throat

USUAL DOSAGE

The normal dosage regimen of the bilberry herbal extract used by the majority of people is 240 mg - 480 mg daily either in the form of capsules or in tablet form. Capsules and tablets are standardized to contain 25 % anthocyanosides and can easily be found in many herbal stores.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

The use of the bilberry herbal extract in recommended amounts does not produce any known side effects in patients. The remedy made from the bilberry does not react with the most common prescription medications. In addition, no known contraindications to the bilberry exist regarding its consumption by nursing or pregnant mothers.